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There are the constant dealings with Bath City just down the road, as well as Guernsey FC to get experience into the younger players.

Then there's this attempted deal with Luton, who sold Freddie Hinds to City last January, of course.

(Image: Gary Day/JMP)

This network of clubs and constant dealing can only be put at the feet of Mark Ashton (though no doubt Brian Tinnion and Steve Lansdown have contributed to the local and Guernsey club links). And it's indicative of good progress in the transfer market and solid work in general.

To be clear, this isn't about creating feeder clubs but established relationships based on trust and sound workmanship that are likely to help swing deals when there's a lot of competition.

Just think of how some clubs have done similar previously: Liverpool continually buying from Southampton, Derby and Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth previously, maybe even Wolves now buying from Porto.

Mark Ashton (Image: Rogan Thomson/JMP)

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And it need not just be reflected by club. The French market is one that City have looked at a lot, as is the Swedish market, hence another reason why the club may have decided to chase exciting U21 winger Niclas Eliasson.

Networks, relationships and reputation can go a long way in the transfer market. On a more primal level, what you know often trumps the fear of the unknown.

Bristol City are using that to their advantage and will likely continue to do so.